Hundreds of Princeton University alumni and guests are on campus this week for the conference "L'Chaim! To Life: Celebrating 100 Years of Jewish Life at Princeton."
On Friday morning at Richardson Auditorium, the University premiered a video highlighting the history and experiences of Jewish students at Princeton over the last century, from the first recognized Jewish student group to the thriving academic, religious and cultural programs that exist today.
The conference, which runs from Thursday to Saturday, April 14 to 16, features presentations by alumni, faculty, staff and students; alumni discussion groups; networking opportunities; campus tours; Shabbat services; and social events. "L'Chaim! To Life" is open only to registered alumni and guests.
Highlights of the conference include:
- A conversation with President Christopher L. Eisgruber.
- A discussion with Princeton University Presidents Emeriti William G. Bowen, professor of economics and public affairs emeritus, and Harold T. Shapiro, professor of economics and public affairs.
- A closing reception and dinner with remarks by Mark Wilf, a member of the Class of 1984 and owner and president of the Minnesota Vikings football team.
- Panel discussions featuring Princeton faculty, alumni, graduate students and undergraduate students on topics and issues such as Judaic studies at Princeton, the student experience at Princeton, Israeli-American relations, American journalism, tracing Jewish genealogy, Jewish life on campus, service, admission and financial aid, the U.S economy, Jewish experiences on campus, philosophy of religion and modern Jewish thought, the 2016 presidential election, Jews in the world of entrepreneurship, and Jewish alumni in comedy and writing.
- Lectures by Princeton faculty members David Spergel, the Charles A. Young Professor of Astronomy on the Class of 1897 Foundation, professor of astrophysical sciences and chair of the Department of Astrophysical Sciences; Marina Rustow, the Khedouri A. Zilkha Professor of Jewish Civilization in the Near East and professor of Near Eastern studies and history; Eve Krakowski, assistant professor of Near Eastern studies and Program in Judaic Studies; and Daniel Kurtzer, lecturer in public and international affairs and the S. Daniel Abraham Visiting Professor in Middle East Policy Studies.
- Receptions and networking events hosted by academic departments and affinity groups.
- Tours, arch sings, film screenings and exhibitions across campus.
People can follow the conference using the #PrincetonJewishLife hashtag on social media, and on the Alumni Association's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
